Donald Glover won the comedy lead actor trophy for his role on “Atlanta” at the 69th annual Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles.
He also pulled a rare auteur coup in winning the Emmy for comedy series directing as well. The win for directing marked an Emmy milestone as he became the first African-American to win in the category.
In the process of making his speech Sunday night, Glover jokingly give a shoutout to President Donald Trump… for an unconventional reason.
“I want to thank Trump for making black people number one on the most-oppressed list,” he said. “He’s probably the reason I’m up here.”
Glover also thanked his parents, FX, and his wife. “I’m so happy, wow,” he gushed onstage. “Thank you guys so much.”
After winning the Golden Globe for comedy actor earlier this year for his work as Earn on the FX comedy he co-created, Glover became a favorite to win the Emmy, as well, from those who were hoping to see a freshman series breakthrough in a major category.
Glover did this, marking his first-ever Emmy win, though he also further made history by beating out reigning comedy actor champion Jeffrey Tambor, whose work as Pfefferman patriarch-turned-matriarch Maura on Amazon dramedy “Transparent” earned him the trophy for the last two years.
In addition to Tambor, Glover was also up against Anthony Anderson (“Black-ish), Aziz Ansari (“Master of None”), Zach Galifianakis (“Baskets”) and William H. Macy (“Shameless”).
Backstage, Glover said he was humbled by the recognition for his work and the breakthroughs that his wins represent.
“It feels like a dream,” Glover said. “I don’t want to make the best indie movie; I want to make the best movie. I don’t believe in labels like that. I’m glad I made history, but that’s not what I’m trying to do. I believe people deserve quality.”
Glover has had quite a rise since he began his TV career by landing a job as a writer on “30 Rock” in 2006 when he was fresh out of NYU. From there, he moved on to a writing and co-starring gig on the cult favorite comedy “Community.”
Even as he immersed himself in writing, directing and producing duties on “Atlanta,” Glover has seen his film career blossom with a big role in the upcoming Lucasfilm’s Hans Solo standalone “Star Wars” pic.
At the same time, Glover has cultivated a critically praised musical career in hip-hop, performing under the name Childish Gambino.
TRUMP NEVER EVER EVER EVER SPOKE OUT AGAINST BLACK PEOPLE!!! HE NEVER SAID ANYTHING BAD ABOUT BLACKS! WHAT IS THIS JERK TALKING ABOUT?!
He’s talking about sitting home Election Day because one of his people wasn’t running for President. So now it’s “whine time” the next four years. If he wants someone to blame let him go look into the mirror.